Job Description
Job title:
Department/School:
Grade:
Location:
Admissions Manager
Admissions
8
This post will be based at the Claverton Down
campus, Bath and any other location of services
run by the University of Bath
Job purpose
This post manages all aspects of centralised undergraduate admissions and has
oversight of postgraduate admissions delivered through Faculty Graduate
Schools. The post-holder is expected to initiate and to respond to strategic
discussions at institutional level in relation to admissions and to liaise closely
with Faculties and departments to manage and deliver admissions targets. The
post-holder manages a complex set of business systems associated with
applications processing and applicant customer services and leads
enhancement projects associated with their continuous improvement. S/he is
required to use a high level of initiative in specifying, analysing and producing
statistical data to support and develop admissions functions. S/he is also
responsible for ensuring that all admissions activity is consistent with the
University’s Policy on the Recruitment, Selection & Admission of Students and
with the University’s Admissions Regulations. As well as promoting best practice
internally, the post-holder manages and delivers staff development and training
across the institutional admissions community. S/he is responsible for ensuring
that all compliance and regulatory functions are managed effectively and that
senior managers are briefed on all risk factors relating to admissions. S/he is
also the lead institutional expert on UK and international qualifications for entry,
including their presentation in University marketing materials. Extensive external
liaison with the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is required,
together with a range of external organisations such as examination boards,
schools and colleges, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), Qualifications &
Curriculum Authority (QCA) and the Home Office. The post-holder is required to
develop and deliver admissions-related information, advice and guidance and to
support recruitment activity at events both on and off campus. The post-holder
regularly deputises for the Head of Admissions.
Source and nature of management provided
The post-holder is expected to work with substantial initiative and autonomy
reporting to the Head of Admissions.
Staff management responsibility
The post-holder directly manages the Admissions Officer, Admissions Team
Leader and Admissions Progression Officer. Through them, s/he is responsible
for 18 staff in the Applications Processing and Management Information and
Projects sections of the office. S/he manages the Higher Education Advice team
in the absence of the Head of Admissions.
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Special conditions
The successful candidate may be required undertake a Disclosure & Barring
Service check. Some evening and/or weekend work may be required for which
time-in-lieu is provided. Time-off during the second half of August is not possible
due to the responsibility of the whole Admissions team for Confirmation. Some
off-campus travel is required.
Main duties and responsibilities
1
Manage undergraduate and postgraduate applications processing to
ensure that all candidates are dealt with efficiently and in accordance
with University policy.
2
Manage the delivery of admissions targets, liaising with admissions
staff in academic departments and in Graduate Schools to ensure that
an appropriate strategy is in place for making offers, converting
applicants and communicating decisions each cycle.
3
Act as lead institutional expert on national and international
qualifications frameworks and on the interpretation of University entry
regulations.
4
Manage the process of assessing fees status, including the provision
of appropriate training to Admissions Office and other University staff;
advise the Head of Admissions in relation to complex appeals
5
Manage the team’s pre- and post-application enquiry service and
customer relationship management systems; liaise with departments,
Faculties and Schools to ensure that applicant communication
protocols are implemented effectively.
6
Directly manage, support and motivate the Admissions Officer,
Admissions Progression Officer and Admissions Team Leader.
7
Specify, produce and analyse reports and statistics on applicants and
entrants to Bath with national and competitor comparisons to inform
strategic planning and regulatory monitoring.
8
Review and make recommendations to amend admissions policies
and procedures, informed by national policy developments; support
the Head of Admissions in co-ordinating the University’s response to
relevant national consultations.
9
Liaise with UCAS, SPA, Examination Boards, QCA, IBO, CIS, and
related organisations to ensure service delivery and to ensure that the
University is aware of current national and international developments
affecting undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment and
admissions
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10
Ensure that admissions processes are compliant with all UKBA
requirements in relations to immigration processes and are efficient
and streamlined with regard to applicants’ visa requirements
11
Actively and creatively promote awareness of and appropriate
initiatives relating to equal opportunities for applicants and liaise with
the Head of Widening Participation so that the work of the Admissions
Progression Officer effectively supports institutional widening
participation strategy.
12
Design and deliver expert information on admissions policy and
procedures and on qualification for entry as part of the University’s
information, advice and guidance services to schools and colleges;
proactively develop and extend the connections between admissions
IAG and recruitment activity, ensuring that Higher Education Advice
team staff have regular opportunities to learn about the detail of
admissions operations
13
Undertake day-to-day management of the budgets associated with
recruitment and admissions activity.
14
Undertake other duties and responsibilities as requested by the Head
of Admissions or other senior managers from time to time.
General responsibilities
Policies & Procedures
The post-holder is required to familiarise themselves with all University policies
and procedures and to comply with these at all times.
Confidentiality & Data Protection
The post-holder must maintain the confidentiality of information about students,
staff and any other personal information and meet the requirements of the Data
Protection Act (1998) at all times. The post-holder must comply with all
University Information and Data Protection policies at all times.
No Smoking
The University of Bath has a clear policy of no smoking in all buildings and areas
that it controls. Staff are not permitted to smoke in any area other than the
specifically designated outside smoking areas.
Health & Safety
Employees must be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the
Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and any subsequent relevant legislation
and must follow these in full at all times including ensuring that they act in line
with all agreed procedures at all times in order to maintain a safe environment
for students, visitors and staff.
Flexibility
This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of the main
responsibilities only. The post-holder is required to be flexible in developing
their role in agreement with their designated manager. In addition they may be
required by their manager to carry out any other duty commensurate with their
grading and expertise.
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Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
AF / Int / T*
Qualifications
A first degree or equivalent
professional experience
X
AF
X
AF & Int
Experience and Knowledge
A thorough professional
understanding of undergraduate
admissions including substantial
experience of working effectively in
an admissions role
Experience of postgraduate
admissions
X
AF & Int
Knowledge of data management
legislation and good practice
including Freedom of Information and
Data Protection Acts
X
AF & Int
Knowledge of current issues within
higher education, particularly those
connected with admissions and fair
access
X
AF & Int
Knowledge of the UK secondary and
higher education systems
X
AF & Int
A thorough understanding of the UK
qualifications framework
X
AF & Int
Knowledge of international
qualifications and English language
qualifications
X
AF & Int
X
AF, Int & T
Skills
Experience of data analysis
Experienced user of MS Word, Excel
and email packages
X
AF, Int & T
Proficient in the use of databases
and reporting tools
X
AF, Int & T
Excellent communication skills – both
verbal and written
X
AF & Int
Effective presentation skills
X
AF, Int & T
Effective data analysis and critical
thinking skills
X
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AF, Int & T
Criteria (cont.)
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
AF / Int / T*
Strong customer focus - Commitment
to high quality customer service and
continuous improvement of the
customer’s experience. Responsive
to customers’ requirements problems
and complaints.
X
AF, Int & T
Strong team working skills - Able to
be helpful and supportive of other
team members and work cohesively
with colleagues from other teams
across the University. Able to listen
and take advice from colleagues
X
AF & Int
Strong planning & organisational
skills - well organised and able to
plan work effectively. Accurate
keeper of records.
X
AF & Int
Able to prioritise objectives and work
tasks and met objectives and
deadlines and deliver on schedule.
X
AF, Int & T
Able to motivate teams and lead by
example
X
AF & Int
Able to work effectively under
pressure and manage own and
others stress effectively.
X
AF, Int & T
Flexible - able to work in an
environment where change is a
constant feature
X
AF & Int
Willing to work occasional weekends
and evenings with some overnight
stays where required.
X
AF & Int
Willing and able to successfully
undertake required training
X
AF & Int
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